Guide to Flower Food: Best Practices for Extending Vase Life
SUMMARY:
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Importance of Care: Proper care extends the beauty and vase life of fresh-cut flowers.
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Accurate Dosing: Correct flower food measurement is vital; both over- and under-dosing can damage flowers.
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Water Quality: Use distilled or filtered lukewarm water for optimal nutrient absorption and to prevent bacteria growth.
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Stable Environment: Maintain ideal light, humidity, and air circulation to enhance flower longevity.
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Follow Guidelines: Adhere to manufacturer instructions for flower food and store it in cool, dark conditions. Recommended brands include Chrysal®, Floralife®, and Get It Fresh®.
At Koch & Co® we are passionate about fresh-cut flower care. Caring for and extending the vase life of fresh-cut flowers is important for the efficiency of any floristry business, as well as the enjoyment of floral arrangements. Maximise the health and lifespan of your flowers with the following tips and tricks for use with flower food products.
Proper dosing of flower food extends vase life
Accurate dosing of flower food is vital for keeping flowers hydrated, nourished, and vibrant. Well-fed flowers stay fresh for much longer, reducing wilting and fading.
Using the correct amount of flower food significantly extends their vase life. Flowers that receive the right balance of nutrients are able to do the following:
- Absorb water more effectively.
- Remain hydrated.
- Maintain their structure.
Both over-dosing and under-dosing can harm your flowers.
It's important your flowers get the exact amount of nutrients they need without over- or under-doing it. Dosing fresh flowers with flower food is no different to cooking, the wrong balance of ingredients will spoil the end result in the following ways:
- Over-dosing can inhibit water absorption.
- Under-dosing deprives flowers of essential hydration and nourishment.
To avoid dosing mistakes, use accurate measuring tools.
Water Quality and Temperature
Nutrient-rich flower food helps inhibit bacterial growth and improves hydration. This equilibrium keeps your flowers healthy, vibrant, and resistant to decay.
Factors impacting nutrient uptake:
- Water quality - use distilled or filtered water to avoid mineral interference.
- Temperature - ensure water is lukewarm for better nutrient dissolution.
Recalibrate and adjust dosing needed to account for environmental factors or water changes. Regularly recalibrating ensures your flowers consistently receive the optimal amount of nutrients.
Environmental Factors Affecting Flower Longevity
Maintain a stable environment for your flowers to maximise the benefits of your flower food. The following factors can greatly influence the effectiveness of the nutrients:
- Light.
- Humidity.
- Air circulation.
Follow Manufacturer Guidelines
To care for and prolong the life of fresh-cut flowers, always adhere to the manufacturer's instructions for mixing flower food. These guidelines are designed to deliver the ideal nutrient balance for various flower types, ensuring optimal results.
Choose trusted brands of flower care products, such as:
Store mixed flower food properly
Proper storage of flower food when not in use is crucial. Several factors can diminish the effectiveness of any flower food product, including:
- Exposure to heat or sunlight can degrade the nutrients.
- Cool, dark conditions help to maintain effectiveness.
In conclusion, caring for fresh-cut flowers involves accurate dosing of flower food, using quality water, and maintaining a stable environment to enhance their longevity. Following manufacturer guidelines and storing flower food properly are crucial for optimal results. For more information about the maintenance and care of fresh-cut flowers, read our other Koch blogs Our New GET IT FRESH™ S Wrap Has Arrived! and Why should you consider professionally made flower food over homemade flower food?